Premier League backing gives Euro boost to Cup heroes Cardiff

Cardiff City have won the backing of the Barclays Premier League in their bid to secure a UEFA Cup spot if they win next month's FA Cup Final.

Football Association officials have said Cardiff were only allowed to enter the competition on the understanding that they could not take an English place in Europe because they are members of the Welsh FA.

However, the Premier League's arm of the FA board — otherwise known as the Professional Game Board — voted in favour of giving the spot to Cardiff should they beat Portsmouth at Wembley on May 17.

Cardiff's Joe Ledley battles for the ball with Marcel Van Hoemet of Barnsley in the Cup semi-final

Manchester United's David Gill, Blackburn's Robert Coar, Bolton's Phil Gartside and Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards will now make their recommendation to the main FA board after their meeting at Gloucester Place.

It is unlikely to be met with any objections when it is one of the Premier League clubs currently battling it out for the UEFA Cup places that could ultimately miss out.

Blackburn could be that club — which would make life a little uncomfortable for Ewood Park chairman Coar.

Even if Cardiff lose at Wembley, they could still claim their place in the UEFA Cup.

They would need Portsmouth to finish fifth in the Premier League and so have a double qualification, with the FA Cup spot being picked up by the Welsh side.

Portsmouth are currently four points behind fifth-placed Everton with four games to go.